Rhinoplasty: What You Need to Know

Rhinoplasty is the technical term for a ‘nose job’. It is the cosmetic procedure known for resizing and reshaping the nose, and additionally can be used to help correct breathing difficulties. Rhinoplasty removes, rearranges, or reshapes the bone or cartilage of the nose to correct irregularities.

Being the central feature of the facial aesthetic, the nose is often a target of first focus when noticing another person’s appearance. If you feel that the size or shape of your nose is throwing off the balance of your face, consider cosmetic rhinoplasty to alter your nose in order to better compliment your facial features.

Surgical rhinoplasty is ranked the third most sought after cosmetic surgical procedure only surpassed by liposuction and breast augmentation. A few examples of ways the nose can be altered are:

• Altering or reshaping the nasal bridge (removing the bump)

• Reducing the overall width of the nose

• Correcting the overall shape of the nose (enlarging or reducing)

• Reshaping the nasal tip

• Reducing the size of the nostrils

• Correcting the angle between the nose and the lip When undertaking such an important decision, it is crucial to seek expert consultation from an experienced facial plastic surgeon.

Dr. Ambro has performed over 1,200 primary and revision septorhinoplasties. There are various ways that rhinoplasty is performed, with the two most common being open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty. Your plastic surgeon will evaluate your nose and your desires; ultimately determining which technique is most appropriate for your goals.

Open rhinoplasty consists of making a small incision in the middle of the columella (the column like structure underneath the tip of your nose that separates your nostrils). This technique allows for visualization of the internal nasal structure. Due to this open approach, the patient’s own tissue, grafts, and sutures can be expertly placed to correct the problem. Thus, resulting in a nose that looks more natural and will mature naturally with the patient.

Depending on the situation, your surgeon may determine that closed rhinoplasty may be the best approach. With this method, all incisions are made within the nose itself. This method is used when smaller refinements are needed.

Additionally, functional septorhinoplasty focuses on how the nose works. It can clear and open the airway and remove breathing obstructions. If you’re already considering a cosmetic rhinoplasty, it is easy to address functional issues at the same time.

Rhinoplasty surgery is typically done under general anesthesia. Recovery averages 7-10 days, with most people returning to routine activity 2 weeks. Activities, which includes contact sports, are usually fine by approximately three weeks post procedure. Patients are often nervous about recovery after rhinoplasty. It can be difficult, but most patients find it progresses quickly and that they are soon back to work and other activities. Plan on taking about a week to focus on rest and recovery. Most likely, you will use a splint for the first week and may experience bruising around the eyes.

Changing your nose can dramatically change your appearance. To ensure that changes are positive ones, work with an experienced and trusted rhinoplasty surgeon.

If you’re in the Annapolis, Maryland area, choose Annapolis Plastic Surgery for your rhinoplasty. Dr. Bryan Ambro is a is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, head and neck. Call us today to learn more about rhinoplasty and to schedule a one-on-one consultation.